Best Cordless Drill for an Ice Auger

Looking to pay a visit to the wild frontier and engage in some ice fishing? Be my guest! Just remember that you need to tool up properly. And when I say tool up I mean going all high-tech.

After all, ice finishing has come a long way in recent years. We modern anglers sometimes create and check on dozens of holes in a single day. That is why we need to prioritize tools that offer both mobility and power. So, instead of grabbing a hand auger, how about you get a sturdy cordless drill?

It is a surprisingly effective tool for breaking the ice, provided that you connect the right auger to it. You are spared the strenuous effort of chopping a hole with outdated tools such as an axe. You can move around a lot and not think about the hassle of securing a power supply and overextending your cords.

So, if you ask me, it might be time to stop brushing off dust of your granddad’s auger and invest in a brand new product.

Milwaukee 2704-20: Simply The Best

I think I do not have to brag too much about the appeal of a cordless route. The benefits it provides are just too great to be missed. Cordless drills are both highly practical and cost-effective solutions geared toward fast drilling and bountiful ice fishing.

You also do not tire nearly as much as with clunky equipment in the league of gas engine drills, which some fishers still use today. Another strong reason to consider a cordless option is that there is no shortage of fast, affordable, and powerful products in the market right now.

Personally, I am not used to bothering with subpar tools. I learned my lesson and now I want only the best cordless drill for an ice auger. I assume that you too. So, let us cut to the chase: I present you the Milwaukee 2704-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill/Driver.

This 18-volt, battery-powered bad boy promises to make short work of any ice standing between you and your prey. In my opinion, the Milwaukee brand has managed to outdo itself with this one. Namely, the second generation a vast improvement over its predecessor (2604) and the best ice fishing investment I have ever made.

Yes, the tool is marketed as a compact all-around tool. But, rest assured it is meant to cut hole after hole in the ice and minimize the effort you have to put in. It is my go-to-drill for all things ice fishing.

A Force To Be Reckoned With

First off, 2704-20 drill is highly portable: it weighs 4.3 pounds and is 7.75’’ in length. And you should not let this small and lightweight frame fool you. Although it is not as bulky as those monster power hammer drills, it is a reliable workhorse nevertheless.

With its innovative technology and amazing specs, it can even go toe to toe with most industrial and corded drills available. Especially when operating as an ice auger and drill combo.

The considerable might of this driver originates from the POWERSTATE Brushless Motor, which packs quite a punch— 1,200 in-lbs of Peak Torque and up to 32,000 BPM. That is rather impressive for a cordless drill and enough to ensure sessions of fast and effective ice drilling.

Furthermore, the drill never buckles under heavy load and maintains peak productivity at all times. You do not have to worry about your tool overloading, over-discharging, and overheating. REDLINK PLUS Intelligence system prevents these nuisances from happening.

You can choose only between two speed modules: 0-550 and 0-2,000 RPM. For me, this limited range wasn’t a problem. I also liked how the torque control works via Bluetooth and enables you to easily dial it up or down. Another nice feature is LED light that illuminates the ice in the dead of the night.

Designed For Easy Handling, Built To Last

What is more, this FUEL drill feels right in your hand and allows you to become the smoothest ice operator. The user-friendly design is well-balanced and ergonomic: the drill is neither too light nor too heavy.

The all-metal ratcheting locking chuck works very well. I usually apply a gentle touch and noticed it results in reduced fatigue during prolonged ice fishing endeavors. The auxiliary handle is shorter than most others I used and it is generally less awkward than those.

I do want, however, to point out that some users have issues with chuck performance. That does not reflect my experience and I think these problems are linked to poor handling.

The only real con I could find is related to limited speed settings. So, if you prefer a specific setting for your ice drilling, this tool may not be tailored to your needs.

Limited tool warranty is 5 years, but I think it will serve you well beyond that. This is thanks to the Brushless motor, which provides a greater lifespan than it’s brushed counterparts. Not to mention that it also requires less maintenance and makes your life easier that way.

Finally, bear in mind that you will need a high-performance Lithium battery. It is not included in the package, which contains a bare-tool, a manual, belt clip, and bit holder. So, do some shopping around. I would recommend REDLITHIUM XC5.0 products, as they give you more work per charge.

Sticking to those, I have been able to fish all day long on one charge. Running out of juice out there in the cold is simply not an option for a seasoned angler.

Heavy Recommendation

To sum it up, the Milwaukee 2074-20 drill is a durable, heavy-duty tool with great torque power in a small package. It is easy to use and will be your loyal follower wherever you choose to go.

In fact, this tool is the best blend of compactness and power I found in any cordless drill. It is miles better than heavy contraptions and most other cordless drills you can find. Did I mention that is also reasonably priced and bound to last for a long time?

I don’t know what else to say except that this thing is a small beast. There is really no excuse not to own it and I cannot recommend it enough. It is time to turn your Milwaukee drill into an ultimate ice auger driver for your toolbox. Stay frosty!